Quick answer: Nusa Penida can be a good island for families who plan ahead. The roads are slow, the big viewpoints involve steep paths, and the sea can be strong, so mealtimes work best when they're relaxed and close to where you're staying. For family dining, look for somewhere with space, shade, a wide menu and flexible hours. Penida Colada, a beachfront restaurant and bar in Ped on the north coast, is open daily from 8 AM to 11 PM, serving brunch, lunch and dinner, plus a dedicated kids’ menu.

Travelling with children changes what "a good restaurant" means. A view and a cocktail list are great, but parents also need to know whether there's food the kids will eat, whether the timing works around naps and day trips, and whether the setting is safe and relaxed. This guide covers what to check before you choose where to eat on Nusa Penida, and what families can expect when they eat with us at Penida Colada.

Is Nusa Penida Family Friendly?

Yes, with some planning. Nusa Penida is quieter and less developed than much of mainland Bali, which many families enjoy. But a few things are worth knowing:

  • Travel takes time. Roads can be narrow, steep and bumpy, so a day of viewpoints can mean long stretches in a car. Plan meals as proper breaks rather than squeezing them in.
  • Some famous spots aren't easy with small children. Several cliff viewpoints have steep, uneven paths down to the beach.
  • The sea needs respect. The waters around Nusa Penida can have strong currents. Always supervise children near and in the water.
  • Services are simpler. Shops, pharmacies and health facilities on the island are more basic than in the main tourist areas of Bali, so bring essentials like sun cream, any medicines and snacks.

Many families find that a slower trip, with one or two sights a day and plenty of beach and meal time, suits Nusa Penida best. Our guide to things to do in Nusa Penida can help you choose.

What Families Should Check Before Choosing a Restaurant

Before you head out, it's worth checking a few practical points.

Opening hours and kitchen times

Children rarely eat on a fixed schedule. A place that serves food from early morning to late evening gives you more flexibility. At Penida Colada:

  • Brunch: from 8 AM until 4 PM
  • Mains: from 12 PM to 10 PM
  • Open: every day, 8 AM to 11 PM

That means you can have a late breakfast, an early lunch or an early dinner without waiting for the kitchen to open. We close on significant Balinese ceremonial days, so check ahead if you're planning a special meal.

Seating and space

Look for a setting where children can sit comfortably and where you can see them easily. Penida Colada has a beachfront deck and a private upstairs dining area that's used for events. If you need something specific for your family, such as a high chair or a quieter table, contact us before you visit so we can tell you what's available.

Food variety and allergies

A long menu helps when different family members want different things. At Penida Colada, there’s a dedicated kids’ menu for younger diners, alongside the main menu. Just ask your server for it when you sit down. It’s also worth knowing how a restaurant handles changes: dishes are served as written on the menu, without changes. If anyone in your family has an allergy, tell the team when you order, and check the menu beforehand so you can choose the right dish.

Getting there and back

On Nusa Penida, distance matters more than you might expect. Choosing somewhere near your accommodation, or on your route home, makes the end of a long day easier. Penida Colada is on the beachfront in Ped, on the main north coast road. Find directions on our contact page.

Timing: The Best Times to Eat Out With Kids

The time of day makes a big difference to how relaxed a family meal feels.

  • Breakfast (8–10 AM): mornings are calm and cooler. It's a good time to eat before a day of sightseeing. See our guide to beachfront breakfast in Nusa Penida.
  • Lunch (12–3 PM): the middle of the day is the hottest, so a long, shaded lunch by the sea is a good way to rest. Our guide to lunch in Nusa Penida has more ideas.
  • Early dinner (5–7 PM): families with younger children often prefer to eat around sunset and head home before it gets late. Sunset tables fill up first, so book a table if you want a good spot.
  • Later evening (from 7 PM): live music starts from 7 PM, which older kids may enjoy. It can be livelier and louder, so younger children may do better earlier.

The Beach Environment

Eating by the beach is a big part of the fun for children, but it also needs a little planning.

  • Supervise near the water. Penida Colada is right on the beachfront, and guests can snorkel from the front stairs of the deck. Keep an eye on children around the stairs and the shoreline.
  • Check the tide. The shoreline changes between high and low tide. At low tide you may see seaweed farms and rocky areas, so sandals or water shoes help.
  • Plan for sun. Bring hats and sun cream, especially for lunch or afternoon visits.
  • Turn it into a game. Through our Green Penida initiative, if your family collects a bag of rubbish from the beach and brings it to us, we'll give you a free coffee or coconut. It's a simple way for kids to help keep the island clean. See our current offers.

Food Variety: What Kids and Parents Can Order

Penida Colada serves a Modern Australian, International and Indonesian menu, so there’s a mix of familiar dishes and local flavours. We have a dedicated kids’ menu, so ask your server for it when you arrive. Older children who want something bigger can also choose from the main menu. Here are some family-friendly ideas from the current Penida Colada menu. 

At brunch (until 4 PM)

  • Paradise Pancakes: three pink dragonfruit pancakes with strawberries, banana, vanilla ice cream and caramel syrup
  • Banoffee Banana French Toast: brioche French toast with banana, caramel and strawberries
  • Mango Smoothie Bowl or Peanut Butter Bowl
  • Tropical Fruit Salad, with optional homemade yogurt
  • Eggs on Sourdough: poached, fried or scrambled eggs on toast

At lunch and dinner (12 PM to 10 PM)

  • Easy favourites: Fish and Chips, Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Tacos, Napolitana Spaghetti and the burgers
  • Indonesian dishes to try together: Satay Ayam (chicken satay with peanut sauce and rice) and Ikan Bakar (grilled fish with rice)
  • Small plates to share: Hand Cut Potato Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Calamari Rings, Cheesy Garlic Bread and Edamame

Desserts

Try the Chocolate Brownie with vanilla ice cream, Pisang Goreng (Indonesian fried banana with ice cream) or the Baked Blueberry Cheesecake.

Drinks for kids

The drinks menu has plenty for children:

  • Milkshakes made with real fruit, milk and vanilla ice cream: banana, strawberry, mango, dragon fruit or blueberry
  • Fresh juices, including freshly squeezed orange juice, homemade lemonade and watermelon juices
  • Smoothies, such as Tropical Pink (dragon fruit, banana, coconut milk) or Strawberry Mint with yoghurt
  • A whole young coconut
  • Mocktails, including a Virgin Penida Colada, so kids can join in at sunset
  • Organic raw Bali hot cocoa

For parents

While the kids eat, parents can try the island's seafood. Our guide to seafood in Nusa Penida covers the full list, from Coconut Fish Curry to seasonal grilled octopus.

Dietary needs

The menu marks vegan, vegan-option and gluten-free dishes. For more detail, see our guides to vegan food in Nusa Penida and gluten-free food in Nusa Penida.

Practical Dining Tips for Families

  • Look at the menu before you go. It saves time at the table with hungry children.
  • Order sides to share. Fries, edamame and garlic bread can keep little ones happy while mains arrive.
  • Ask about anything you need. If you need a particular seat or setup, contact the restaurant before you visit.
  • Use takeaway on tired days. Penida Colada offers dine-in and takeaway but no delivery. If the kids are worn out, order in person and eat back at your accommodation.
  • Budget for service and tax. Menu prices are subject to 10% service and 10% government tax.
  • Celebrating? For birthdays and larger family gatherings, our upstairs dining area hosts private events for 20 to 80 guests. See private events.

The Penida Colada Family Experience

We’re a locally owned beachfront restaurant in Ped, and we started as a beach shack in 2015. We offer real table service, with no QR-code ordering, a dedicated kids’ menu, and a team that’s happy to help families find the right dishes and the right table. Guests also get free WiFi, which can help when you need to check ferry times or keep a tired child entertained. 

If you're staying on the north coast, our Ped Nusa Penida guide has more on the beach, the village temple and things to do nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nusa Penida family friendly?

Yes, if you plan ahead. Roads are slow, some viewpoints have steep paths and the sea can have strong currents, so families do best with a slower itinerary and relaxed meal breaks near their accommodation.

Where can families eat in Nusa Penida?

Penida Colada is a beachfront restaurant and bar in Ped, on the north coast, open daily from 8 AM to 11 PM. It serves brunch until 4 PM and mains from 12 PM to 10 PM, with a wide menu of familiar and Indonesian dishes.

Does Penida Colada have a kids' menu?

Yes. Penida Colada has a dedicated kids’ menu. Ask your server for it when you arrive. There are also kid-friendly drinks such as fruit milkshakes, fresh juices, smoothies and mocktails like the Virgin Penida Colada. 

Can I ask for changes to dishes for my child?

Dishes are served as written on the menu. If your child has an allergy, tell the team when you order and choose a suitable dish from the menu.

Is the restaurant right on the beach?

Yes. Penida Colada is on the beachfront in Ped, and guests can snorkel from the front stairs of the deck. Please supervise children near the water.

What time is best for dinner with young kids?

Early evening, around sunset, is usually easiest. Live music starts from 7 PM and the atmosphere gets livelier later in the evening.

Plan Your Family Meal

A good family meal on Nusa Penida comes down to timing, space and food everyone will eat. Have a look at the menu, choose the time that suits your family, and book a table by the sea.

View the Menu → | Book a Table →